To my delight, I received the answer right-away that every writer hopes for, that my submission was not only accepted and but would be slated to appear in the April/May/June issue! Recently an advance copy arrived in the mail with a congratulatory note:

Stampington & Company gets it! The inclusion of this seemingly small touch of a congrats made it even more special. There's something very magical to me about seeing my work in print. Even
though I have created two books and written many magazine articles,
it's still as thrilling as it ever was. I know it always will be.

“Prairie-Style Weddings are the perfect blending of romance and pragmatism, of
simplicity and embellishments. Handmade, sustainable, and accessible elements
set a casual, welcoming, and celebratory tone that transform fantastic dreams
into reality. Prairie-Style festivities embrace all sorts of humble materials
in ways that elevate them from ordinary to fabulous."

Whether you are planning a wedding, event, or are just an admirer of Fifi’s
timeless style, we hope you will join us!

About Fifi
Fifi O’Neill has established a novel international reputation for her particular
sense of style. She is the single-most accomplished editor, photo stylist,
blogger and best-selling author known for perpetuating prairie style. Visit
this link to learn more:

Monday, March 2, 2015

I have a sewing machine, piles of pretty fabric, and trimming and buttons -- but as you may already know -- I'm a sew-a-phobe. Yep, afraid to sew. The precision frightens me away every time and sends me running for my trusty roll of fusible webbing aka Stitch Witchery. So, why did I want a copy of Torie Jayne's new book? Because!

Because Torie and I are longtime blogging friends. I adore her, I truly do. She even asked me to contribute to her first book How to Show and Sell Your Crafts. Here's pretty Torie in a feature from that book's press:

Okay, so why else would I want Torie's new book?

Because this book is as beautiful as I knew it would be. With Torie's fresh palette of seafoam, lavender and coral, details like ruffles and ball fringe, and photographs by Sussie Bell: it's a visual treat.

Because in addition to being a sewing book, it offers inventive decorating ideas like this padded headboard suspended with ties along a row of hooks. Brilliant!

Because there are projects like this rose garland that even a no-sew gal like me can handle with a glue gun.

Because with detailed instructions and a Getting Started section, maybe even I could try something like this bag for starters...

And work my way up to something like this!

{Or grab the Stitch Witchery... Or beg a friend who can sew... }

Congrats to Torie on Stylish Home Sewing and welcome to CICO Books {my publisher}!

Stylish Home Sewing by Torie Jayne, photography by Sussie Bell, is published by CICO Books. You can purchase your very own copy right here!